For some, St. Valentine’s Day is a hallmark moment…a day of buying chocolates, flowers, a card and maybe a gift. For me, it’s figuring out who I’m supposed to date! I don’t have a traditional “Valentine” so I decided I’d just hang with as many of my favourite girls as possible. Monday was off to a good start…Melissa and I hit the Four Seasons Centre for the Canadian Opera Company’s version of La Clemenza di Tito. While the set and staging were minimal the singing and story line was brilliant. Melissa and I also took in Ross Wooldridge Sextet at The Old Mill Inn early last week. The JAZZ.FM91 Sound Of Jazz Concert series almost always sells out, and that certainly was the case here. The band were tight and effortless. Benny Goodman would be proud. Tuesday afternoon there was a press conference held by the TD Toronto Jazz Festival at a new jazz club that will open any week now, The Jazz Bistro (which is located on Victoria by Yonge-Dundas Square (in the two levels that used to house The Top O’ The Senator and the restuarant below. They’ve knocked out the ceiling, making it a two-story jazz palace. Can’t wait for it to open!

Cat Fawcett came by for food, wine and laughs on Wednesday and on Thursday I had my first of three jazz safaris last week – with my official VD date, Jessica Ferg! We danced the night away and at one point she ate the cherry out of my bourbon Manhattan and tied a knot in the stem with her tongue. Call me easily impressed…but I was!

Kevin Laliberte at Gate 403, featuring members of Sultans of String.

Sophia Perlman Quartet put on a great show at The Old Mill Inn!

The gang on the jazz tour had a terrific time and Friday I had a very similar evening…dancing to big bands and painting the town….this time with Elise LeGrow. The night started with Uptown Big Band and then it was off to see George Lake Big Band at Lithuanian House where Elise sang with orchestra. Finally we hit Palais Royale where Swing Swift Big Band played to a ballroom full of dancers. Glenn Woodcock recited “Route 66”, I sang “You Make Me Feel So Young” and Elise blew the roof off the joint with her take on “Too Darn Hot”. By the end of the night we’d seen over 35 musicians on stage!

Mike Daley Blues Trio in the basement of Dovercourt House. Incredible! (They are back in May)

Hannah Krapivinsky sings with Patrick Tevlin’s New Orleans Rhythm.

I thought I’d be pooped on Saturday but lo and behold energy can be bought…martinis, MacAllan and grappa oh my! My third jazz safari in a row featured such great music and company – it was a breeze.

By Sunday, I was ready to not drink…I stayed in with my BFF, Sahra and chilled.

a quiet Sunday?

COMING UP: Mary Lou told at Palais Royale informed me Saturday night she’s sold 106 $40 tickets and 22 $100 VIP tickets to my Birthday Bash to benefit UNISON BENEVOLENT FUND. I’m telling you this in hopes you contact Palais (or ticketweb) and get your tickets now. We figure they’ll be gone sometime in March. A worthy cause, amazing people and a wild swing dance party with some of my favourite bands! Oh yeah, and I turn fifty! TICKETS AND INFO CLICK HERE